BIO-EFFICACY OF\ RED PEPPER POWDER IN THE CONTROL OF CALLOSOBRUCHUS MACULATUS

ABSTRACT The study was to evaluate the bio-efficacy of red pepper (Capsicum spp.) powder in controlling Callosobruchus maculatus, a major pest of stored cowpea grains. The research was conducted under laboratory conditions using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with varying concentrations of red pepper powder. The specific objectives were: To evaluate the effect of red pepper powder on adult mortality of C. maculatus. To determine its effect on oviposition and adult emergence. To assess seed weight loss caused by C. maculatus. All objectives were successfully achieved. The findings revealed that: Red pepper powder significantly increased beetle mortality in a dose-dependent manner. It drastically reduced egg laying and adult emergence, disrupting the pest’s life cycle., Seed weight loss was significantly minimized, preserving grain quality and reducing post-harvest losses. This study demonstrates that red pepper powder is a viable botanical insecticide for managing C. maculatus infestations in stored cowpea. The powder was effective not only in killing adult insects but also in reducing reproductive success and seed damage. These benefits position red pepper as a safe, sustainable, and locally available alternative to synthetic pesticides, especially for smallholder farmers and rural grain storers. Furthermore, the treatment does not involve harmful chemicals and can be prepared using simple household tools, making it economically and environmentally friendly based on the study's findings, the following recommendations are proposed: Adoption by Farmers, Extension Education: Agricultural extension officers should include training on the preparation, dosage, and application of red pepper powder in their pest management outreach programs, Integration into IPM: Red pepper powder should be incorporated into integrated pest management (IPM) strategies as a complementary tool to reduce chemical pesticide use.